ITCS Memo# 1776 - Message from St. Paul ACOE

To:       RIAC
From:     Tim Robinson
Date: 7/12/01
Subject: Message from St. Paul ACOE
ITCS Memo # 1776

        A preliminary report from our survey crew indicates that channel closure conditions exist at UMR mile 837, St. Paul Barge Terminal.   A tow ran aground this morning, 12 July.   Complete survey results and a full evaluation of the situation will not be available until this evening. Based on the preliminary report and the assumption that navigation is not possible at this time, we are mobilizing the mechanical dredging CT unit 2 to this location. Their present location is Beef Slough, mile 754.

        I anticipate that dredging will not commence until Saturday a.m. Due to limited information available at this time, I cannot estimate how long it will take to re-establish navigation. Plans are to mechanically dredge what is necessary to restore traffic and then follow-up with additional maintenance dredging using the Dredge WAT. Placement will be at the Southport site. This placement site is currently near capacity, but beneficial use removal is taking place at this time. It can accomodate the emergency dredging.

        Coordination is ongoing with the towing industry and Coast Guard to minimize navigation impacts.